Discover Ferreira Do Zêzere

Water and landscape

Water and woodland shape the character of Ferreira Do Zêzere. The municipality is bordered to the east by the Rio Zêzere; its natural and scenic value is also defined by the Albufeira de Castelo de Bode and extensive woodland. As a geographical transition zone between Ribatejo and Beiras, Ferreira Do Zêzere offers a distinctive setting for outings that take in nature, water and cultural heritage. There are recreational areas and river beaches along the Albufeira of the Barragem de Castelo de Bode.

Water sports and time by the river

The Rio Zêzere and the Albufeira de Castelo do Bode offer opportunities for wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing. At Praia Fluvial da Castanheira, visitors can also enjoy water skiing, windsurfing and rowing with support from the Centro Náutico. The activities range from peaceful paddling trips to more energetic pursuits on the water. When planning, take seasonal operators and local conditions into account.

Praia Fluvial da Bairrada/Bairradinha was inaugurated on 13 June 2026. Its facilities include toilets, changing rooms, a first-aid station, a bar, a terrace, a car park, accessible walkways, a picnic area and a viewpoint with panoramic views. The natural sandy beach and the Rio Zêzere’s calm waters add another way to enjoy the river alongside the water sports on offer. Lago Azul has a mooring and a fuel station for boats.

Dornes and its history

Dornes has been associated with the religious worship of Nossa Senhora do Pranto since the 12th century. The Torre de Dornes is believed to have been built by the Order of the Templars in the 13th century as part of a defensive line. The present building of the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Pranto was constructed in 1453 at the behest of D. Gonçalo de Sousa. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Pranto combines Gothic, Mannerist and Baroque architectural styles; the Santuário houses an 18th-century organ. This sequence traces the history from the early religious tradition and the tower to the present-day church building.

Smaller details also give these places their distinctive character. The Capela de Santo António in Dornes is a simple, converted building in front of the steps leading to the Santuário. The Capela de São Pedro de Castro in Pombeira stands on a hill, is considered a building of public interest and was rebuilt in the 14th century. A stone plaque on its main façade points to a Roman presence. The traditional Zêzere boats Três Tábuas and Abrangel are still built in Dornes; check separately to confirm the current availability of individual craftspeople.

Nature, heritage and local cuisine

Nature trail enthusiasts can explore the Estação da Biodiversidade, an approximately two-kilometre-long path along a watercourse through typical riverside vegetation and woodland. The Estação da Biodiversidade de Dornes was created to observe and document local biodiversity, with a particular focus on butterflies. Visiting the Gruta de Avecasta requires planning; check the arrangements in advance. The cave shows evidence of human presence dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological investigations found that a village once stood there.

In Águas Belas, the Espaço Museológico da Cerâmica e Serração de Madeiras is dedicated to preserving and presenting the region’s industrial heritage. Culinary traditions take centre stage at the annual Festival Sabores do Zêzere, which features specialities such as fish soup with crayfish, sautéed crayfish, crayfish risotto, Empadas and Rissóis. The festival also includes activities such as hikes and Peddy-Paper. In Dornes, the Nossa-Senhora-do-Pranto tradition inspires the annual Círios, which come from several parts of the country.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

From Lisbon, travel via the A1, A23 and A13. At the Ferreira do Zêzere sul exit, follow the EN238 bypass for five kilometres to the centre. Direct Rede Expressos buses also run from Lisbon to Ferreira Do Zêzere. By train, travel to Tomar; take a taxi or the on-demand transport service in Médio Tejo for the remaining distance. Check current timetables before travelling.

When choosing a hotel, first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: water sports, cultural heritage or nature trails each lead to different daily itineraries. Then use your planned visits as a guide when choosing the exact location of your hotel.

Discover more destinations: Ferreira Do Zêzere, Dornes, Bela Vista, Sardoal, Torres Novas, Ourém, Mação, Entroncamento.

For the broader travel overview: Santarem.